Macy’s Credit Card Review

Macy’s is one of the oldest department stores in the country. They pride themselves on offering high quality clothing and household items at reasonable prices. Frequent Macy’s customers are given the chance to save even more by becoming a Macy’s cardholder.

There are two different cards to choose from. You can go with the Macy’s credit card, which is their charge card, or the Macy’s American Express® Card. But before you make a decision, let’s walk through the different benefits as well as some of the things to watch out for.

Benefits of the Macy’s Credit Card

After being approved for the Macy’s Credit Card, you will be able to save 20% off a purchase the day you sign up or the day after. There will be a maximum discount of $100.

As a Macy’s cardholder you will have the chance to shop your way into different reward levels based on your annual spending. They break things down into the following three levels:

Preferred - Spend $1 - $499 per year

Elite - $500 - Spend $1,199 per year

Premier Elite - Spend $1,200 and up per year

Throughout the year Macy’s cardholders will receive Macy’s Star Passes. These will give cardholders various discounts on regular, sale, and clearance items. The number of passes that you receive will depend on your reward level. If you are a Preferred cardholder you will receive three passes. An Elite cardholder will receive six passes. Premier Elite cardholders will receive 12 passes each year.

Another benefit of being a Macy’s cardholder is your ability to take part in their Thanks for Sharing event. The cost to participate is $25, but $10 of the fee will go to support one of many different charities, including American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club of America, and more. During the event, you will then be able to save 10% off your entire purchase.

All Macy’s cardholders will also receive special discounts at the register throughout the year. In addition, if you are either an Elite or Premier Elite cardholder you will receive a special birthday discount. Premier Elite members will also have a dedicated customer support line and they will receive free shipping offers four times per year.

Macy’s is also a participant in the Plenti rewards program. If you shop with both a Plenti Rewards card and your Macy’s credit card, you will earn 2x Plenti points on beauty and fragrances. All other Macy’s purchase will earn 1x Plenti points. Points can be redeemed for discounts at Macy’s and other participating retailers.

Added Benefits for the Macy’s American Express® Card

If you choose to get the Macy’s American Express® Card, you will receive a couple of additional benefits. Since it’s an American Express Card, you can use it anywhere American Express is accepted. Plus, you have access to Amex Offers. With this program, you receive discounts at various retailers, restaurants, and more.

Additionally, you will also earn Plenti points when shopping outside of Macy’s. When you use your Macy’s American Express® Card at gas stations and grocery stores you’ll earn 2x Plenti points. Purchases made anywhere else will earn 1x Plenti points.

Do you frequently purchase flowers for friends and family? You will be able to save 15% off purchases from Teleflora.com just for using a Macy’s American Express® Card.

The benefits don’t end when you’ve finished shopping. The Macy’s American Express® Card also comes with several travel discounts. These include the following:

Airfare - You can book flights at some of the lowest fares available

Hotels - Save up to 20% off rooms at thousands of hotels all over the world

Car Rentals - Save up to 25% off qualified rentals

Cruises - Receive up to $300 worth of onboard credit

Vacations - When you book air+hotel packages, you will receive $100 off

As a Macy’s American Express cardholder you will also receive a few different discounts through Froshvacations.com. This includes discounted rates on vacation packages, plus a $100 Macy’s gift card on select vacations.

Disadvantages of the Macy’s Credit Card

The biggest downside to having the Macy’s Credit Card is that you are limited to using it at Macy’s stores and on Macys.com. However, if you’re a frequent Macy’s shopper then the savings you will receive might make it worth it.

Additionally, the Macy’s Credit Card and the Macy’s American Express® Card might not be the best choice if you’re planning a large purchase. Unlike many other credit cards, there is no introductory 0% APR offer. Instead, the card has a variable APR on purchases. Since this APR is higher in comparison to other cards, it’s critical that you pay your balance in full each month to avoid finance charges.

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of advantages to having either the Macy’s credit card or the Macy’s American Express® Card. In addition to having no annual fee, you will also receive multiple shopping discounts throughout the year. If you are a frequent Macy’s shopper, that alone might make either of these cards a great option for your wallet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sean Bryant is a Denver based freelance writer specializing in travel, credit cards and personal finance. With nearly 10 years of writing experience his work has appeared in many of the industries top publications. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He also runs OneSmartDollar.com. When not working Sean enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and dog Charlie and can frequently be found on his bike or snowboard. Learn more about Sean Bryant

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Credit Cards Explained may earn affiliate commissions from our partners on this page. These commissions do not affect how we select, rate, or review products. To find out more, read our complete terms of use.